The WNBA’s journey from relative obscurity to cultural relevance has been nothing short of inspiring. With Portland, Toronto, Cleveland, and Boston already in the pipeline, the idea of a 16- or 18-team league by the early 2030s doesn’t seem far-fetched
Detroit, Philadelphia, Charlotte, and Nashville represent just a few of the cities eager to join this basketball renaissance, and with the league’s popularity only continuing to grow, now may be the perfect time for bold, ambitious expansion.
The WNBA’s expansion into new cities reflects the league’s incredible upward trajectory. Adding teams in Golden State, Portland, Toronto, Cleveland, and potentially Boston shows that professional women’s basketball is not only sustainable but in high demand.
Boston’s rich basketball tradition, passionate sports culture, and deep community ties make it a perfect fit for the league’s next chapter.
And with influential figures like Donnie Wahlberg and Michael Carter-Williams leading the charge, the dream of a Boston WNBA team may soon become reality.
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Michael Carter-Williams: The WNBA’s Exciting Expansion
Boston Set to Join the League?
Women’s basketball is on an extraordinary rise, and the WNBA is embracing that momentum with its latest expansion efforts.1
The league has already confirmed the addition of the Golden State Valkyries for the upcoming season, pushing the WNBA to 13 teams.
But that’s just the beginning — with franchises in Portland and Toronto joining in 2026, and Cleveland set to follow in 2028, the landscape of professional women’s basketball is transforming before our eyes.
Now, all eyes are on Boston, a sports-crazed city that may finally get its own WNBA team. Let’s dive into what this expansion means for the league, the city, and basketball fans everywhere.
👀👀👀👀👀 https://t.co/sqthphxOL9
— Michael Carter-Willi (@mcarterwilliams) February 19, 2025
The Golden State Valkyries: Ushering in a New Era
The newest addition to the WNBA, the Golden State Valkyries, is already generating excitement.
Based in the Bay Area, the team is expected to mirror the success of the Golden State Warriors, who have established themselves as an NBA powerhouse over the last decade.
The Valkyries’ arrival marks a significant step forward for the league, creating another West Coast rivalry and offering more opportunities for women’s basketball to thrive in a major market.
The team’s name evokes strength and mythology — a fitting image for a league that continues to shatter expectations.
Portland and Toronto: 2026 Expansion Plans
In 2026, two more cities will join the WNBA: Portland and Toronto. Portland, a basketball-loving city with a dedicated Trail Blazers fanbase, promises to provide the WNBA with a passionate market.
The city previously had a WNBA team, the Portland Fire, from 2000 to 2002. Its return to the league signals unfinished business and a chance to build something sustainable.
Toronto, on the other hand, is breaking new ground as the league’s first Canadian franchise. Basketball’s popularity in Canada has exploded over the past two decades, thanks in large part to the Toronto Raptors’ NBA championship win in 2019.
The WNBA’s expansion north of the border represents a bold, exciting step toward international growth.
Michael Carter-Williams: Cleveland in 2028
A Long-Term Vision
The Cleveland expansion, set for 2028, may feel far off, but it speaks to the WNBA’s long-term strategic plan.2
By staggering these new teams over several years, the league allows each market time to build excitement, establish infrastructure, and develop a fan base.
Cleveland has a rich basketball history with the Cavaliers and a passionate sports culture, which should make for a successful WNBA franchise.
According to The Boston Globe’s Gary Washburn, the city of Boston is now at the forefront of expansion conversations. The Boston Women’s Basketball Partners — a group led by actor Donnie Wahlberg and former NBA player Michael Carter-Williams — is reportedly preparing to apply for a WNBA franchise.
The group would need approval from the WNBA’s Board of Governors and would be required to pay a franchise fee, which could range from $125 million to $250 million — a clear indication of the league’s growing value and prominence.
Why Boston Makes Sense for the WNBA
A WNBA team in Boston seems like a natural fit for several reasons:
- Basketball Tradition: Boston is home to the legendary Celtics, one of the most storied franchises in NBA history. A WNBA team playing in the iconic TD Garden would tap into that same passion.
- Strong Sports Culture: Boston sports fans are known for their loyalty and enthusiasm. Whether it’s the Red Sox, Bruins, Patriots, or Celtics, the city rallies around its teams — and a WNBA squad would likely be no different.
- Growing Women’s Sports Market: Women’s sports are enjoying unprecedented support and visibility. A WNBA team in Boston would build on that momentum and provide local young athletes with professional role models.
Donnie Wahlberg’s Passion for Boston Basketball
Donnie Wahlberg, best known as a member of the boy band New Kids on the Block and for his acting roles in shows like Blue Bloods, has made his love for Boston sports well known.
In a statement to The Boston Globe, Wahlberg expressed his excitement about the possibility of bringing a WNBA team to Boston:
“As a longtime Boston Celtics fan who attended countless NBA games in my lifetime, nothing would bring me more joy than to have a WNBA franchise in the city of Boston. I look forward to the day I can walk into the Garden, along with thousands of the greatest (and most knowledgeable) basketball fans on the planet, to root for Boston’s hometown WNBA team.”
Wahlberg’s connection to Boston runs deep — his older brother, Mark Wahlberg, is also a well-known Boston native and lifelong Celtics fan. This family tie adds a heartwarming layer to the push for a team in Beantown.
Michael Carter-Williams: From NBA to Ownership
A key partner in the Boston ownership bid is Michael Carter-Williams, the 2014 NBA Rookie of the Year.3
Carter-Williams, who played for several teams during his NBA career, including the Philadelphia 76ers, Orlando Magic, and Charlotte Hornets, retired in 2023.
Carter-Williams hails from Hamilton, Massachusetts, just a 40-minute drive north of Boston. His career earnings of over $23 million provide him with the financial flexibility to invest in this exciting new venture.
The Ownership Group: A Strong Team
In addition to Wahlberg and Carter-Williams, the Boston Women’s Basketball Partners includes:
- Mandy Carter-Zegarowski: Michael Carter-Williams’ mother, who has deep ties to the basketball community.
- AJ Gerritson: Executive at Zozimus Agency, a marketing and branding firm.
- Bob Lemmond: Managing Director at The Carlyle Group, a global investment firm.
- Gregg Nolan: CEO of The Nolan Group, specializing in wealth management.
- Paul Dahn: A real estate developer with significant experience in Boston’s commercial sector.
This diverse and experienced group brings a blend of basketball knowledge, business acumen, and local pride — a powerful combination for launching a successful WNBA franchise.
What a Boston WNBA Team Could Mean for the League
If Boston secures a WNBA franchise, the ripple effects could be substantial.
- Increased Visibility: Boston is a major media market. A WNBA team there would attract more coverage, sponsorships, and national attention.
- Local Inspiration: The team would inspire young athletes in Boston and New England, fostering a new generation of female basketball stars.
- Revenue Growth: Expansion teams generate revenue through ticket sales, merchandise, and local partnerships, strengthening the league as a whole.
While the Boston expansion bid is still in its early stages, the enthusiasm surrounding it is undeniable. The WNBA’s deliberate, strategic growth is setting the stage for a league that is not just surviving but thriving.
As Wahlberg, Carter-Williams, and their ownership group push forward, basketball fans in Boston — and beyond — have every reason to be excited about the future of the WNBA.
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Michael Carter-Williams: Recent Expansion
In October 2023, the WNBA announced that Portland and Toronto would join the league in 2026, marking the first significant expansion in over a decade.
Cleveland is set to follow in 2028, and Boston’s ownership group is already forming, hinting at further growth in the near future.
The addition of these new teams is a clear sign that the league is ready to embrace its next chapter. Expanding into basketball-loving markets, while also breaking into new territories, offers a chance to grow the game globally and build strong local fanbases.
But the question remains: How many teams can the WNBA sustain over the next ten years, and which cities will be part of this basketball renaissance?
The excitement surrounding WNBA expansion is palpable, and several cities have emerged as frontrunners for future teams. Let’s take a closer look at the leading candidates.
Detroit: A Basketball City Ready for a Revival
Detroit has a deep-rooted basketball culture, with the Pistons and a history of producing top-tier talent at both the collegiate and professional levels.
The city previously had a WNBA team — the Detroit Shock — which was incredibly successful, winning three championships (2003, 2006, and 2008) before relocating to Tulsa and later becoming the Dallas Wings.
Given Detroit’s passionate sports fanbase and the city’s ongoing revitalization, a WNBA franchise could thrive there.
The Little Caesars Arena, home to both the Pistons and the Red Wings, could provide a world-class venue, and the return of a WNBA team could reignite a long-lost connection with women’s basketball.
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Philadelphia: The Next Great Basketball Market
Philadelphia is another city with a strong basketball identity. Home to the 76ers and a powerhouse college basketball scene, Philly is well-positioned for a WNBA expansion.
With a large media market, corporate sponsorship opportunities, and an engaged sports community, Philadelphia’s inclusion in the WNBA would seem natural.
The Wells Fargo Center could host games, and the fan support — known for its intensity and passion — could create a home-court advantage few teams could match.
Charlotte: A Growing Southern Sports Hub
Charlotte, North Carolina, has seen significant growth in its sports landscape, with the Hornets in the NBA, the Panthers in the NFL, and an expanding Major League Soccer (MLS) presence. Adding a WNBA team would fit perfectly into the city’s evolution into a southern sports hub.
The WNBA has previously considered Charlotte for expansion, and with the city’s booming economy and demographic diversity, there’s a strong case to be made.
The Spectrum Center, home to the Hornets, would be an ideal venue, offering a central location and a built-in basketball infrastructure.
Nashville: A New Basketball Frontier
Unlike the other cities on this list, Nashville does not have a professional basketball team. However, what it lacks in basketball history, it makes up for in sports enthusiasm.
Home to the Tennessee Titans (NFL) and the Nashville Predators (NHL), the city has proven it can support major league teams. A WNBA team would give Nashville a new, dynamic sports identity and help expand the league’s footprint in the southeastern United States.
The proximity to Memphis, where the Grizzlies play, also offers the potential for regional rivalries and cross-promotional opportunities.
There are several compelling reasons why expanding the league makes sense at this moment in its history.
Michael Carter-Williams: Growing the Talent Pool
One of the most important benefits of expansion is the opportunity to create more roster spots for talented players.
Every year, elite college athletes enter the WNBA Draft, but with only 12 teams and 144 roster spots, many talented players go unsigned or are forced out of the league too soon.
By adding new franchises, the WNBA can retain more talent, foster player development, and ensure that fans get to watch the best athletes compete at the highest level.
More teams mean more games, more merchandise sales, and more local and national sponsorships. Each new franchise brings its own set of revenue streams, from ticket sales to TV deals, all of which help strengthen the financial stability of the league.
Additionally, expanding to new markets increases the league’s visibility, bringing the game to new audiences and helping to build the WNBA brand globally.
Strengthening Community Engagement
- WNBA teams are known for their deep roots in their communities, and new franchises offer a chance to create lasting social and economic impacts.
- Through youth basketball programs, community service initiatives, and partnerships with local organizations, expansion teams can help grow the game at the grassroots level and inspire the next generation of female athletes.
- Of course, expansion is not without its challenges.
- Adding new teams means dispersing talent, and the league will need to ensure that expansion drafts and other mechanisms help maintain competitive balance. No one wants to see new teams struggle for years before becoming competitive.
- Finding committed ownership groups and securing suitable venues are critical factors. The WNBA’s recent success has made franchises more attractive to investors, but ensuring long-term stability will require thoughtful planning and financial prudence.
- The next decade could be transformative for the WNBA. As the league looks to build on its momentum, expanding into new cities and creating more opportunities for players and fans alike will be key.
- By carefully selecting markets that offer both financial support and passionate fan engagement, the WNBA can solidify its place as one of the premier basketball leagues in the world — not just for women’s sports but for professional sports as a whole.
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